Kevin Siembieda, Maryann Siembieda, «Compendium of Contemporary Weapons: Super-Sourcebook for All Game Systems»

First, this is not a game system! This is a guidebook to contemporary weapons for use in ANY role-playing game. The basic information and guidelines may have to be adjusted to reflect each individual system of rules, but are presented in such a way that this should be a quick and easy procedure. Second, we do not even pretend to have included all of the types and variations of firearms in the world. We have tried to include "most" weapons that are representative of the major types of small arms available today. Consequently, we have intentionally limited the firearms in this book to weapons manufactured after 1930 or still commonly used (like the Browning and Colt which were produced around the turn of the century, but are still popular today).Third, the statistical data listed is meant to provide subjective guidelines for use in role-playing games. They are as accurate as we believe necessary. Those of you who are familiar with our previous weapon books know we strive to achieve maximum accuracy and authenticity. However, this is especially difficult with firearms. Everybody who has ever fired a gun (or even reads about them) seems to have a different opinion. Even the experts disagree about each weapon's effectiveness, damage capability, penetration, range and maintenance. Even among Palladium Books researchers, one felt automatic weapons were superior to revolvers, while another leaned toward revolvers. Each had sound, logical reasons, statistics and personal experience to support their arguments. One even disagreed with the effective ranges as listed in Jane's Infantry Weapons book, which is generally acknowledged as the definitive book on the subject. It really broke down to personal preference, experience and opinion.Fourth, the tissue damage ratings and penetration ratings are NOT meant to accurately reflect the damage in the real world, but a reasonable translation into game standards.Fifth, we chose line illustrations over photographs to provide a maximum amount of detail as clearly as possible. Great effort went into the accurate portrayal of the weapons, vehicles and accessories. Each illustration has been painstakingly researched. One of our illustrators even works for the Browning Company.Sixth, heavy weapons and vehicles such as anti-tank weapons, grenades, rocket launchers, flamethrowers, light artillery, armored vehicles and other items are given comparatively limited coverage. They are included to give the reader some idea of the different types of larger and heavier weapons and vehicles available. Furthermore, when Palladium's small, original weapon book was sold, many readers asked for at least some basic coverage in these areas. We aim to please, so they are included.Seventh, all the weapons in this book are real. There are no fictional laser rifles or energy guns.Eighth, this book is in no way intended as a guide for survivalist or pro-civil arms movements. Although the weapons are real, this book does not encourage their use by civilians.